The Eagle's Perch

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	The Eagle's Perch
Author(s):	Natasha Solten
Date(s):	1986
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
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The Eagle's Perch is a K/S story by Natasha Solten .

It was published in the print zine Daring Attempt #4.

Reactions and Reviews

1986

It is excellent but ... this happy family business [as in Broken Images] in which Sarek accepts K/S immediately without hesitation or conflict seems to be the easy way out. Imagine what a dramatic confrontation between Spock and Sarek over K/S might have done to the intensity of this story! It would have been magnified. Both Kirk and Spock would then be threatened, presentinn a greater challenge.

Natasha Solten's "The Eagle's Perch" is a post- STIII story where Kirk is facing charges for stealing the Enterprise. But rather than being a long, drawn-out court battle, this mainly tells of what takes place following the court sessions— facing the nosey reporters, dreading the days to come, the insecurities regarding the future, and simply winding down after each stressful day.

The story begins with Sarek's thoughts, and has the reflections of Kirk, McCoy, and Saavik placed at strategic points in the narrative, but the tale is primarily written in the third person. The degree of love and affection between Kirk and Spock just melted me; yet, in no way did it come across as syrupy. In fact, the story was very mature, very adult. These two had some very real fears to deal with. But one insecurity they didn't have was that regarding their relationship. There is no innocent, stumbling, first-time tension here. Kirk and Spock use their relationship to its fullest to generate strength and ease fears.

I found the ending surprising, and Spock's closing thoughts eloquent and appropriate.

1992

This post-TSFS a/u story in which Kirk is tried and found guilty by Starfleet is especially notable for Sarek's supportive presence and for the lyrical way in which the author writes Sarek's viewpoint.

1999

This moving story covers four or five days at the end of Kirk’s court martial after Genesis and the fal tor pan. From the beginning we know that this Spock has regained all his memories, restored in melds with Kirk—his bondmate—after the transfusion. Although Solten makes vivid the suffering Kirk and Spock have had to endure from Spock’s death to the present painful trial, what comes across strongest throughout the story is the depth of their love, the foundation upon which all else in the story—and in their lives— rests.

Sprinkled throughout the piece are various characters’ first person testimonies, or at least reflections, on the trial and the events leading to it. Sarek’s words begin the story with a dignified, logical, yet loving perspective on the deep bond between his son and Kirk. Later we hear similar views from Saavik, McCoy, Kirk, and finally Spock. Each of the voices in these sections is superbly realistic; I particularly like that McCoy here is not an easy caricature but is vulnerable, quiet, still trying to heal. The majority of the story is presented in third person with a main focus on Spock, sometimes giving his point of view or telling us what he senses through the bond. In these sections we see current events: Kirk and Spock leaving the courtroom each day, returning home and spending time with their loved ones, and turning to each other to share anguish, passion, joy, even play.

The outcome of this court martial in no way resembles the facile conclusion of STIV, yet it resonates even more than do the steps of the two men as they walk away together at the film’s end. Spock’s narrative ends the story, his voice filled with quiet respect, support, and love for Kirk. What a beautiful story.

Written with a variety of perspectives, this might be very difficult to follow, but it is not. Even more surprising is the fact that none of the persons who give “voice” to these thoughts or perspectives on the trial of James T. Kirk is ever identified. They are, in fact, so representative of the speech patterns and known habits of the characters as to be almost instantly recognizable. Quite a feat! Sarek, Spock, McCoy, Saavik and Kirk are represented. Between these penetrating mental ruminations there is a narrative and dialogue which tells the story in a more conventional manner. Genesis is behind the group, but the price has not yet been paid. Spock is well, whole and both grateful and loving to his mate, but very fearful of what the court’s will pronounce. The story is very well done and very insightful. Each characters feelings , both during the Genesis episode and the present situation, are very clear and true. Even though it isn’t a new zine (1986) I hesitate to tell you how it ends. It ends.....well, I just don’t want to let the cat out of the bag. See if you can find this zine!

Kirk’s trial after Genesis runs like a red herring through this story. Throughout, there’s a strong current of hopelessness, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that Kirk is found guilty at his trial and dishonorably discharged. To the letter of the law, he has been found guilty. To the spirit of ancient laws he couldn’t have done anything else. Failure lies with Starfleet. By finding him guilty they become poorer.

Throughout, there’s also the very strong bond between Kirk and Spock, their source of joy and strength and in the end that’s all that matters.

I liked it.

2010

This story is one of might-have-beens, of what might have been if Starfleet had decided on an all-out trial for Kirk after the destruction of the Enterprise and the Genesis planet.

As the story begins, Kirk's trial has already begun. One by one those who were on the ship and on Genesis are called to the stand. No hint is given as to how effective these testimonies are. All we know is that the trial is wearing on all of them: Kirk, Spock, Saavik, even Sarek is not unaffected. But Spock knows his time to testify is drawing near and he's afraid. So soon after his return from death, he is unsure of his control, especially when regarding that death. He remembers its nonexistence and the not knowing where he was. He fears he isn't strong enough to remember everything and remain calm. And then the day comes. McCoy has completed testifying and Spock is called. He was right to be afraid. The prosecutor is relentless as Spock tries to explain what he himself doesn't totally understand. He knows his death was 'incomplete,' but he doesn't know why. Drawn into his memories of that time, he faints. When he comes to, Kirk is by his side and the court is in recess. They'll ask him no more questions. But Kirk's ordeal is yet to come, but when it does it's almost anticlimactic. He tells his story just as it unfolded. There's nothing else to say. So then they go home and wait and hope that the court will see in Kirk's favor. But they don't. Kirk is dishonorably discharged. And while there will be no imprisonment, his career in Starfleet is over. He will not appeal. When asked, Spock answers that he, too, is leaving the service. They'll have their life together and they have already received many offers of employment. Spock sums it up succinctly— "I could not have a more loyal companion than Jim Kirk. For I know he would go through it all again, or worse, for me. For what we share. These truths are the ones that matter. Our truths. And I have never felt more free."

There is so much more to this story than I could ever describe here. It's beautifully written, filled with the love these two men have for each other, and their fierce determination to live life by their own rules—and together.